Registration for the Individual Sigma Corporate Run closes on January 31, 2025. Register Today!
Run For The Cause
It’s once again time for the largest 5k run in the English-speaking Caribbean! The 2025 Sagicor Sigma Run aims to raise a monumental 115 Million! This year’s beneficiaries are as follows:
- Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Kingston Public Hospital
- Father Ho Lung and Friends Foundation
Each institution requires help and will benefit greatly from the proceeds of the run.
How To Donate
Aside from signing up for the (physical) run, there are other ways you can donate:
- Donate your Sagicor Bank Credit Card Points.
- Register for the Virtual Run.
- Purchasing items from the Sigma Shop in New Kingston(Sagicor Life Building 1st floor).
- Donating Via Wire Transfer, Cheque, and more.
A Public Health Crisis
Jamaica has a high number of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), often referred to as lifestyle diseases. Individuals with NCDs end up putting an additional burden on the public health system. NCDs pose a significant health concern in Jamaica, contributing to substantial morbidity(condition of suffering from a disease or medical condition) and mortality.
Proportion of Mortality Due to NCDs
- NCDs account for approximately 77% of deaths in Jamaica, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- This aligns with global trends in middle-income countries but is still a critical issue, especially when combined with limited healthcare resources.
Prevalence of NCD Risk Factors
Jamaica has a high prevalence of risk factors contributing to NCDs:
- Obesity: Over 54% of Jamaicans aged 15 and older are overweight or obese.
- Hypertension: About one-third of the adult population live with hypertension and many remain undiagnosed.
- Diabetes: The prevalence of diabetes among adults is 11.9%, with higher rates in women (14.4%) compared to men (9.4%), higher than the global average of 8.5%.
- Physical Inactivity: A significant portion of the population engages in insufficient physical activity, contributing to obesity and related conditions.
- Poor Diet: High consumption of processed and sugary foods, combined with low fruit and vegetable intake, exacerbates the issue.
Healthcare Burden
- Hospital Admissions: NCDs are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Jamaica, accounting for the largest number of hospital discharges.
- Economic Impact: The economic impact of NCDs, including mental health conditions, is projected to result in a lost output of US$17.2 billion over 15 years
It’s A Win Win
Whether you will be running, walking, or ‘wheelchairing’, it is a win for everyone who will be participating in the 2025 Sagicor Sigma Run. The Sigma Run provides an avenue for us to get engaged in physical activity and contribute to a worthy cause.
The race begins on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston. It is recommended that you arrive by 6:30 am so that you can warm up and find adequate parking. The road will be blocked after a set time(more than likely by 7:30am).
I have posted the parking areas and race route from the 2024 run. I expect that all if not most will be the same for 2025.
Encourage your friends, family members, co-workers, and colleagues to participate. I hope you have a great time at the 2025 Sagicor Sigma Run!
The post Here’s Why You Should Attend The 2025 Sagicor Sigma Run appeared first on The Republic Post.
